Jackson native receives art scholarship from non-profit

JACKSON, Tenn. — One local teen receives a creative scholarship.

The arts have always played an important part in Miss Jackson Diana Moseley’s life.

📸: Diana Moseley prepares to present the Samuel James Riggans Memorial Scholarship at the Greater Jackson Chamber building.

That’s why she decided to start Tennessee Art Smart, a non-profit that advocates for art education across the state and raising money for the Samuel James Riggans Memorial Scholarship for the arts, in honor of her late cousin Sam, who loved to draw and had an artistic talent that brought lots of joy to his family and friends.

This scholarship aims to help students who wish to study the arts in college by reducing their financial burdens.

The second-ever recipient for the award is Courtney Henley.

📸: Courtney Henley (pictured left) receives the Samuel James Riggans Memorial Scholarship.

Henley, a Jackson native, graduated from Madison Academic Magnet School and was a Governor’s School for the Arts participant.

“It makes me feel really proud of myself because art is something I’m really passionate about, really confident in. I’m so excited, it’s something I’ve always known that I was going to be doing and I’m glad I’m going to be continuing this through college,” said Henley.

Henley’s work has been featured in the artist gallery held at The Ned in addition to the Carl Perkins Center. She is set to attend UT Martin this fall.

For more local news, click here.